Here in the U.S, shortly after birth, your child is assigned a social security number. That number is then used by the parents for taxes, health information for school records...etc. Identity thieves may gain access to these social security numbers by working at doctors offices, schools and insurance companies. Credit bureaus, for the most part, do not have the resources to check the viability and age that is attached to the Social security number so the information that gets attached to that number such as age and residence virtually goes unnoticed.
Addressing Child ID Theft
Sadly, the misuse of a child's social security information is often exploited by parents, relatives or someone related to the child for personal gain. Poor money habits and excessive spending may have ruined their credit rating and in the pursuit to get better credit often use the child's number to open new accounts which puts the burden of a bad credit rating on the child way before they can even apply for credit.
Eventually, the only way to rid the bad credit rating when the child becomes and adult is to have a new social security issued. That way the victim can start fresh. Even though it may take some time for the new holder of the number to establish their own credit.
Child Identity Theft is more harmful than people realize
The Government often ignores the problem because it is not really understood and a child cannot vote. There is only a handful of states that have passed legislation that specifically addresses the problem of Child Identity Theft and protecting their information. How do you check your child's information to make sure that his or her information is not being used by a third-party?
You can obtain a credit report connected to your child's social security number just as you would for yourself. Also, when you visit your child's doctor go through medical their file with the doctor to make sure that there are no discrepancies just as you would when you see your doctor.
I hope this information makes you aware of this crime as I want to assure you my goal is, not only to make people attentive, but to just be more diligent with your information and how you handle it. Protect your child's information and keep it safe from thieves that do not have your child's best interest in mind. Your Family depends on it.
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